The Swedish Pension Group, which includes representatives from all parliamentary parties, has backed plans for a review of basic protection in the Swedish pension system to make it "more efficient, accurate, and have a simpler structure".

Currently, basic protection consists of a guaranteed pension and four additional tax-financed benefits that supplement an insufficient income-based pension.

However, the benefits have been introduced at different times, with different purposes, and are means-tested in different ways.

Minister for the Elderly and Social Insurance and chair of the pension group, Anna Tenje, said this made the overall basic protection complex and often difficult to understand.

"The pension system exists for pensioners. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that it is understandable and effective.

"This review aims to help us ensure that basic protection becomes simpler and reaches pensioners with the greatest need," she added.

The Swedish Pensions Agency has welcomed the confirmation of a review.

It had previously highlighted that the benefits included in basic protection were difficult for pensioners to understand.

"This can lead to pensioners who are entitled to some of the benefits risking receiving the wrong amount or not receiving them at all, claimed Pensions Agency director general, Anna Pettersson Westerberg.

"In addition, the goal of basic protection is unclear. We, therefore, view today's decision positively and want to contribute to the continued work," she said.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said the review would take place in two stages, with an inquiry to develop one or more alternative proposals for a reformed basic protection.

However, it noted that preparatory work was needed to politically define the purpose and goals before an investigation could be appointed.

As a first step, the Pension Group agreed to appoint a working group in government offices.

The project group's work will be carried out in collaboration with the Pensions Group, which will serve as the "steering group."

The Ministry confirmed that the assignment would be finalised by 15 June 2026.

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